Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, November 27, 2024 – In a landmark celebration of academic excellence and innovation, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (MUAST), conferred degrees upon 103 graduands during the university’s third graduation ceremony. The event, held in the heart of Zimbabwe’s agricultural region, marks a significant milestone in the country’s tertiary education landscape, reinforcing the vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a hub of agricultural innovation and industrialisation.
A Vision for Economic Transformation Through Education 5.0
Under the inspiring theme, “Education 5.0: Harnessing Agricultural Innovation and Industrialisation for Economic Transformation,” the ceremony underscored the government’s strategic focus on linking education to national development goals. Education 5.0 is a forward-thinking model that prioritizes practical skills, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship—particularly in agriculture, science, and technology—areas critical to Zimbabwe’s economic future.
By aligning the academic programs at MUAST with this approach, the university aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of driving sustainable agricultural practices, industrial growth, and broader economic transformation in the country.
Celebrating Achievement and Inclusivity
The graduation ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Hon. Dr. Amb. Fredrick Makamure Shava, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, and Hon. Dr. A. Munzverengwi (SEN), Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Together, they celebrated the academic achievements of the 103 graduands who have successfully completed their degrees in various fields related to agriculture, science, and technology.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this year’s graduation was the commitment to inclusivity and gender equality, with 41% of the graduands being female. This is a testament to MUAST’s dedication to empowering women in the traditionally male-dominated fields of agriculture and science & technology. By prioritizing gender balance, the university is contributing to the creation of a more equitable future where women can take their rightful place in shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
MUAST’s Role in Agricultural Innovation
MUAST, founded to serve the country’s agricultural needs, has become a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s transformation. The university’s curriculum is specifically designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. With innovations in farming techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and industrialisation of agricultural products, the graduates are well-prepared to lead Zimbabwe towards food security, job creation, and economic growth.
The inclusion of practical learning and research components in the Education 5.0 framework ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also entrepreneurial and ready to create solutions for the pressing issues within agriculture and the broader economy. Whether it is advancing crop production, improving livestock management, or exploring new technologies in food processing and packaging, MUAST’s graduates will be at the forefront of a new agricultural revolution.
A Milestone for the Nation
President Mnangagwa’s address at the ceremony highlighted the importance of education as the cornerstone of national development. “The transformation of Zimbabwe’s economy begins with the intellectual and practical empowerment of our youth,” he stated. “These graduates are not only the future leaders of our agricultural and industrial sectors but the driving force behind the economic renaissance of our nation.”
The President further emphasized that education is key to unlocking Zimbabwe’s vast potential, urging the graduates to remain committed to the nation’s growth and to be agents of change in their respective fields. With the government’s continued investment in education, innovation, and infrastructure, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to achieve its Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of MUAST Graduates
As these 103 graduates step into the workforce, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary to drive agricultural and industrial innovation in Zimbabwe. Their contributions will be vital in tackling some of the nation’s most critical challenges, including food security, sustainable farming practices, and the growth of agro-industries.
With an increasing focus on research and innovation, graduates from MUAST are expected to push the boundaries of what is possible, turning challenges into opportunities. By developing new technologies, improving agricultural productivity, and creating innovative solutions, they will help shape a resilient, prosperous, and self-sufficient Zimbabwe.
A New Generation for Agricultural Growth and Innovation
The third graduation ceremony at MUAST marks a pivotal moment in the university’s journey and in Zimbabwe’s educational and economic transformation. With a strong emphasis on agriculture, innovation, and industrialisation, the graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the nation’s future growth.
As President Mnangagwa aptly noted, “Education is the foundation upon which we build the future,” and with 103 bright, determined graduates taking the next step toward shaping Zimbabwe’s future, the seeds of positive change continue to grow in the nation’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
This graduation is not just a celebration of academic success—it is a powerful symbol of the nation’s progress, one that shows that Zimbabwe is ready to take its place as a leader in agricultural innovation and economic transformation.
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